More reviews from Fashion Week, including Christian Siriano's show

John-John Williams IV

WalterBaker(Friday in Lincoln Center)Walter Baker decided to showcase his collection in "The Box," which is where models actually do live mannequin-like modeling. This is a cool concept because you are able to get a close view of each garment. It also exposes any imperfections and weaknesses in the collection. Baker didn't have any. His pieces from this W118 collection were diverse. The colors were eye-popping. And the silhouettes were stunning.

The models, wearing and earphones, stood alongside a stage in a V formation. Baker successfully tackled mixing patterns by pairing stunning brightly-colored tops with contrasting pants in contrasting patterns. His lace offerings -- ivory pants, double layered shift dresses, blouses paired with shear sleeves and neon accents, and skirts -- were beautiful. There were also a number of lime green pieces--dresses, tweed jacket matched with shorts -- that will be stunning in the warmer months.

This mix of men's and women's wear featured a ton of black and white with flashes of light blues, beige and little else. The fit of the garments -- specifically for the women -- did little for me. The men's collection did not utilize enough of the color spectrum for my tastes. These clothes might work for some, but at a time when so many designers took risks with color, and patterns, this monochromatic collection fell flat.

Nina Skarra(Saturday in Lincoln Center)

The Norwegian designer was the first womenswear designer where I couldn't find one piece that I didn't like. The fabric was light, airy, and spring-like. The colors were soft, yet vibrant. And the range of the collection was superb. The collection began with four mauve pieces -- three dresses and a pink silk twill jacket with mauve silk twill shorts. Just when I was getting worried that the collection wasn't going to have enough variation in color, Skarra hit us with stunning ivory pieces. I loved the knit sweaters matched with the extra long organza skirt. The navy pieces -- the shift dresses were special -- were also fantastic. A cowl neck silk satin dress highlighted the champagne offerings. A rose pink and champagne silk organza petal gown anchored the collection. I also loved the Great Gatsby-like headband pieces that a number of models wore in various colors. It was truly special. I heard a number of attendees say that they couldn't wait to put on the clothes because the material called to them. If that's not an endorsement, I don't know what is.

Mara Hoffman(Saturday in Lincoln Center)

Mara Hoffman puts on one heck of a show -- and it's all about the clothes. After her Fall showing in February where she channeled an ancient Latin American goddesses, I knew that Hoffman was going to be something special. So did everyone else. (The line for her show was absolutely ridiculous.) Hoffman did not disappoint. This time she channeled Hawaiian culture. She utilized a lot of the rich colors, and light fabrics from that region, and she ran with it. Hoffman not only took on patterns, she mastered them. Her body length pieces were elegant and opulent looking. Her one piece bathing suit with exposed sides was in the same pattern as the full length dress. It's a definite must for the beach. The patterned romper in aqua was fantastic. As was the black and gold sleeveless dress that rested mid calf. The color-blocked dress in raspberry and red with exposed cut out at the waist was also exquisite. The collection also included fun separates--the multi-colored corset top matched with the raspberry silk skirt was fun. There were also a number of ivory-hued garments and others in more neutral tones. The collection had a little bit of everything for everyone. It was among my favorites.

Herve Leger by Max Azria(Saturday in Lincoln Center)The collection seemed like a more refined, cleaner extension of BCBGMAXAZRIA collection that was unveiled a few days before. This collection had more swimwear, but maintained the same color scheme and feel of the first show, which was great. I loved the fun, flirty, girly feel of the garment. I also liked the use of what appeared to be animal prints. I saw the print on bathing suits, on dresses, and pants. If you are afraid of color, but still want some edge, then these would be a perfect option. I also loved the leather corsets belts that were used throughout the collection. I think they looked stunning, and I hope they catch on.

Christian Siriano(Saturday in EyeBeam Atelier)Without a doubt, this was the best collection I saw the entire day. It was a collection of soft, dreamy, almost retro appearing pastels, infused with showy accents. Siriano has stated that this collection was inspired by ballet, which was well apparent when all of the models appeared with tight buns resting atop their head.

There weren't any ballet slippers, but Siriano's footwear was every bit as elegant and breathtaking as a prima ballerina.

All models wore Siriano's Payless Gold Line, which consisted of about a dozen of his creations in various silhouettes and shades. I loved the metallic heels in pink and aqua. The jewel adorned heels were also special. The shoes with the large bows in back were also over-the-top spectacular.

The collection began with plenty of delicate pink options in the form a stunning satin jacket, metallic flowy dress and patterned dress. I also loved the light blue cotton candy colored leather jacket, and leather dress. (Absolutely stunning.) Siriano also tossed in a number of lace options. I loved the lace shorts, silk jacket and lace top combination. His white-hued options were fantastic. His cream ballet dress was also sophisticated because of its clean appearance and superior tailoring. I loved the peplum top matched with long-wide legged cream pants. (So chic.)

Siriano used a lot of beading, feather accents, shear cutouts and even an occasional metallic stripe.

His collection was the first I saw that included feathers, which surprised me, because they are so beautiful. I particularly liked his shear dress that included delicate beading, sporadically placed feathers.

I loved the wedding dress with the pearl adorned sleeves. I also loved his gown with the beaded cream top and metallic cooper skirt. (So stunning.)

The collection culminated with Siriano sending three models down the runway dressed in tulle dresses in aqua, blush and cream. It was an absolute joy.